Pear Date Muffins With Neufchatel Frosting

POSTED FOR CRAZE-E CONTEST, 2010. Gift a tin of these to your neighbor or perfect to bring to a brunch. This fancy, moist, fruity Autumn snack is sure to please.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• Muffins

• 1  cup dates, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup pear, finely diced
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  cup water, heated
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, plus 2 tbs
• 4  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon canola oil
• 2  cups self-raising flour, sifted

• Frosting

• 2  cups icing sugar, to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) package  neufchatel cheese
• 1⁄3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350°F.
2. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with muffin cups.
3. Mix chopped dates, finely chopped pears, 1 tsp vanilla, spices and hot water together. Set aside until cooled.
4. Cream 4 tbs butter, canola oil & brown sugar together until light.
5. Add fruit mix to butter mix and stir until just combined.
6. Add flour and mix until combined.
7. Bake until a skewer inserted comes out clean (approx. 20-25 minutes).
8. Leave to cool in the tray for 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Allow to cool further and then frost once completely cooled.
10. To make frosting:
11. Combine icing sugar, Neufchatel cheese, 1/3 cup butter and 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until smooth.
12. Spread onto cooled muffins.